| Jennifer Merin No sunset is more romantic than a sunset at sea. The sun gently kisses the horizon, then slowly sinks beyond. Its golden glow set the undulating sea afire and paints the evening sky a wash of pink and orange, mauve and purple. As dusk segues into darkness, the stars begin their nightly show.
Sunsets and stars aside, cruising offers the romance of discovery -- and the discovery of romance. Destinations can range from island paradises, with powder beaches and azure waters to steamy rain forests, glacier-lined bays, cultural capitals, shopping meccas and citadels of ancient civilizations.
Luxury liners are floating resorts featuring non-stop dining, first-run movies, first-rate musical extravaganzas and casinos; a disco for kicking up your heels and a whirlpool for kicking back; table tennis, shuffleboard, a golf driving range and rock climbing wall to test your sports skills at sea; guest celebrities and glitterati; lessons in bridge or "le francais" and lectures on everything from investing wisely to make the most of your money to touring tips for getting the most out of your ports of call.
The beauty of it all is that you can do as much or as little as you like. Hang out with other passengers on board or hand out the "Do Not Disturb" sign on your cabin door.
With all they offer, cruises are affordable. All inclusive prices cover your accommodations and meals, airfare, ground transportation from the airport to the ship and back to the airport, onboard sports, night life, entertainments and other activities.
If you do a little research, you can find great bargains in three, four and seven-day cruises. Excluding airfare, the base bargain rate a three day perfect escape cruise is as little as $500 per couple. To add a day, bring that base rate up to about $700 per couple. And, the seven-day cruise rate is as little as about $1,000 per couple.
Many of the best deals are last minute offerings. If airfare isn't included in the deal, you can choose to find and book your own flights, but always compare prices against those offered by the cruise line. Last minute airfares are usually pricey.
You'll find such a wide selection of cruise offerings that choosing might be confusing. Variables include the size and style of the ship, the itinerary and ports of call and special theme considerations.
If choosing is confusing, let the ship's itinerary and list of ports of call guide you. Whether you decide to circle the globe or follow a loop route around several islands, there's a cruise ship headed your way.
Bermuda, the Bahamas and other islands on Eastern and Western Caribbean routes, the Hawaiian Islands and Mexico's Pacific and Caribbean coasts are among the most popular cruise destinations for romance-seeing passengers, especially for those live in the United States and are traveling to the ships from American cities.
But more exotic experiences beckon, as well. Consider the thrills of watching whales in the Sea of Cortez or off the western coast of Baja California, or standing by as a glistening glacier calves somewhere along Alaska's Inside Passage.
You can also sail along Norway's fabulous fjords or steam up the Mississippi River on a vintage paddlewheeler, or explore ancient ruins in the Greek isles, or observe history unfolding as you cruise from Finland to tour the Baltic States, with their evolving democracies and growing economies. And, nothing beats the pleasures of sipping fine wines and savoring gourmet cuisine while aboard a luxury barge that's cruising through Burgundy or the exhilaration of building up an appetite by helping to set the sails on a tall ship in the South Pacific.
After choosing the destination that lights your fires, consider the different types of ships offering similar itineraries to the area.
Mega-ships -- those that carry around 2,000 passengers when fully booked -- provide lots of activities and big name entertainment. Smaller ships, with as few as 100 people on board, offer more personalized service and a much more intimate atmosphere.
Cruise ships that cater to honeymooning couples always highlight their romantic ambience. These are the ships that guarantee double beds, which are a relatively rate luxury on cruise ships and must be requested when you're reserving your cabin.
Choice of cabin is another big factor in the romance arena. If you're planning to spend a lot of time in your cabin, reserve the best you can afford. Outside cabins with picture windows are worth their higher price, but make sure they have unobstructed views. And if your cabin is on the Promenade Deck, be prepared to keep your curtains drawn at all times for privacy. Also, if you're paying a higher fare for a private balcony, make sure it�'s not situated where other passengers who're enjoying the sunset from the Promenade Deck can observe you, too.
With romance in mind, there's still time to book a cruise for Valentine's Day. If you Google "Cruise Deals," you'll find links to numerous resources for romantic cruises. So surf the Internet for timely good deals, and bon voyage!
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COPYRIGHT 2010 JENNIFER MERIN
Copyright 2010 Jennifer Merin
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